National Italian American Foundation Hosts Sunset Aperitivo to Honor Italian American Leadership
On June 7, 2023, the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee hosted a Sunset Aperitivo on the Ferrero rooftop terrace overlooking the U.S. Capitol.
The event brought together the Capitol Hill congressional staff community to network and celebrate Italian American leadership. The evening was sponsored by Ferrero, the third-largest confectionery company in the world, and the Campari Group, a leader in the global spirits industry.
John F. Calvelli, NIAF Executive Vice Chairman, opened the reception with welcoming remarks, recognizing his Vice Chair of the NIAF Government Affairs and Public Policy Program, the Hon. Anita Bevacqua McBride. Calvelli emphasized NIAF's mission to honor and empower Italian American leadership at all levels of government and to reinforce the cultural and political ties that bind the United States and Italy.
The evening's special guest was Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), a member of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD). In his speech, Panetta expressed his pride in his heritage and the value of giving back to the community that provided so much. Panetta also spoke about his work in furthering relations between Italy and the United States, including his recent travels with Speaker McCarthy to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Panetta noted that Meloni had exceeded expectations and revealed a touching gesture from Italy's Speaker of the House, who presented Speaker McCarthy with the original birth certificate of his grandfather.
The event was also attended by past NIAF Congressional Fellows, Tony Falcone, Benjamin O'Hara, and Dominic Panarese. Calvelli thanked Francesco Santillo, First Counselor of the Italian Embassy in Washington, for his hard work as Santillo is being reassigned from his post. Calvelli also acknowledged the Italian American Congressional Staff Association.
The Sunset Aperitivo was a celebration of Italian American leadership and the cultural and political ties between the United States and Italy. The event was an opportunity for the Capitol Hill community to come together, network, and honor the contributions of Italian Americans to American society. The support of Ferrero and the Campari Group was crucial in making the event a success, highlighting the importance of private sector partnerships in promoting cultural exchange and international relations.